Back to Maker Mamma Projects

Expression of Hope {Genzyme Pharmaceutical}

Details of The Book of Fran by Gayle Rosen 2009

While actively working on developing a cure, Genzyme created the Expression of Hope Project to bring global awareness to rare enzyme diseases. I was commissioned along with nine other artists to interview and create portraits of people living with one of many variations of LSDs (Lysosomal Storage Disorders). These birth disorders usually result in an abbreviated life span. The art created for this project became a world wide traveling exhibit and is now included in the Genzyme permanent art collection. (Final artwork: 16″x24″ Giclée)

Artist’s Statement:

Fran lives in Minneapolis so we never had the opportunity to meet in person. I had to find out everything I could about her and gather all my inspiration from a one hour phone call and a photo she sent me of herself. I wanted this interpretation of her to become a voice for Fran’s inner and outer beauty, manifested thru her relationship with herself, family, friends and MPS1. The large spiral symbol behind ‘The Book of Fran’, references the Golden Mean, a foundational concept used to calculate proportion. How better to represent Fran’s inspirational sense of proportion, as she balances scheduling her engineering courses along with blood transfusions turned social events, which are usually attended by close friends.

One of Fran’s hospital bracelets is physically adhered to the printed Gicleé as a decorative bookmark, holding its place in her life, but not defining what is written on her pages. The bookmark holds a place in the book that displays an Irish blessing, inspired by the memory of her cherished grandfather. Merged in the background, butterflies rise up as the quintessential symbol of her transformation. I am in awe of this young woman and the choices she made to live her life.

Details of Fran by Gayle Rosen  2009

While actively working on developing a cure, Genzyme created the Expression of Hope Project to bring global awareness to rare enzyme diseases. I was commissioned along with nine other artists to interview and create portraits of people living with one of many variations of LSDs (Lysosomal Storage Disorders). These birth disorders usually result in an abbreviated life span. The art created for this project became a world wide traveling exhibit and is now included in the Genzyme permanent art collection. (Final artwork: 16″x24″ Giclée)

Artist’s Statement:

Fran lives in Minneapolis so we never had the opportunity to meet in person. I had to find out everything I could about her and gather all my inspiration from a one hour phone call and a photo she sent me of herself. I wanted this interpretaiton of her to become a voice for Fran’s inner and outer beauty, manifested thru her relationship with herself, family, friends and MPS1. The large spiral symbol behind ‘The Book of Fran’, references the Golden Mean, a foundational concept used to calculate proportion. How better to represent Fran’s inspirational sense of proportion, as she balances scheduling her engineering courses along with blood transfusions turned social events, which are usually attended by close friends.

One of Fran’s hospital bracelets is physically adhered to the printed Gicleé as a decorative bookmark, holding it’s place in her life, but not defining what is written on her pages. The bookmark holds a place in the book that displays an Irish blessing, inspired by the memory of her cherished grandfather. Merged in the background, butterflies rise up as the quintessential symbol of her transformation. I am in awe of this young woman and the choices she has made to live her life.